DRFP Questions Responses v3 4-17-09.xls
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- DTRA Budget and Finance Support Acquisition
- Solicitation number
- HDTRA1-09-R-0002
- Issued by
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Defense Threat Reduction Agency
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Response to DTRA Questions/Comments
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Sheet1
| Question # | Question | Answer | |
| 1 | On March 4, 2009, President Obama issued the attached memorandum that states “In addition, there shall be a preference for fixed-price type contracts. Cost-reimbursement contracts shall be used only when circumstances do not allow the agency to define its requirements sufficiently to allow for a fixed-price type contract.” It appears the government has defined its requirements sufficiently to allow for a fixed-price type contract. Certainly by industry standards the requirements are clearly defined and provide all necessary information to bid and deliver this work in a fixed-price environment. The government should be able to provide numbers of transactions, man hours, number of reports produced etc. based on the fact most of this work has been contracted out since the fall of 2000. Given that the President’s memorandum calls for a detailed review of these types of contracts, has the government considered the additional administrative work (on the government PM and contracting staff) that will come from being subject to these on-going reviews? Will the government consider awarding Sample Task 1 and Sample Task 2 as | ||
| Firm-Fixed Price type contracts? | The Government has given careful consideration to the most appropriate type of contract to use for this requirement. Functional requirements and activities have evolved over time. As such, workload to be performed under Task Orders 1 and 2 is not characterized by the level of predictability asserted in the question, making the use of Firm-fixed Price awards unrealistic. | ||
| 2 | There is mention that a Secret Clearance is required. We are a small business that has yet to obtain that level clearance. Would we be able to bid on this solicitation with out having that clearance, and get it once awarded with the help of DTRA if we were chosen? Also, once the final solicitation is posted, can a small firm bid on certain parts of the project, or do you have to bid on the entire project? | While there is nothing to preclude a company from submitting a bid, offerors must possess a Top Secret Facility Clearance at the time of award and during performance. The Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) will not sponsor prospective offerors prior to award. All personnel performing on the resulting contract must possess a Secret, or as designated, Top Secret Security Clearance. Proposal evaluations will be based on the project scope identified in the final solicitation, not on some portion thereof. However, socioeconomic commitment requirements specified in the solicitation provide opportunities for partnering. | |
| 3 | We do not have a TS Facility Clearance, can we still move forward, plus would your organization be able our sponsor in getting the TS FCL? | While there is nothing to preclude a company from submitting a bid, the contractor must possess a Top Secret Facility Clearance at the time of award and during performance. DTRA will not sponsor prospective offerors prior to award. | |
| 4 | We are interested in sub-contracting opportunity from the whichever Prime(s) that may win this bid, in order to add value to your group’s effort, and also have a value exchange with the Prime. How can we position our organization better for this opportunity. | Socioeconomic commitment requirements specified in the solicitation provide opportunities for partnering. Such arrangements, however, must be identified at the time of proposal submission in accordance with requirements specified in the solicitation. | |
| 5 | If a contractor has the capabilities, past performance and experience to complete the work required in the solicitation, but does not possess a Top Secret Security Clearance, would they still be permitted to submit a bid? | While there is nothing to preclude a company from submitting a bid, the contractor must possess a Top Secret Facility Clearance at the time of award and during performance. DTRA will not sponsor prospective offerors prior to award. | |
| 6 | Are the efforts discussed under HDTRA1-09-R-0002 considered new or a re-competition of a current contract? If a re-competition may I have the incumbent information? | While the HDTRA1-09-R-0002 basic contract statement of work (SOW) encompasses efforts currently performed under DTRA contracts HDTRA1-06-F-0116 and HDTRA1-06-F-0117 with Kforce Government Solutions, it also provides for a broader range of budget and finance support services for the Agency. The basic contract SOW also provides for Wide Area Workflow (WAWF) Sustainment Support, which is not part of the initial Task Orders 1 and 2 planned for award, but which may be pursued under this contract vehicle. WAWF is currently supported under contract HDTRA1-05-D-0005, Task Order 0008, with Northrop Grumman. | |
| 7 | We strongly encourage the Government to consider an additional NAICS Code, 541611, Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services, in its acquisition strategy for DTRA Budget and Finance Support. The draft Statements of Work (Basic, Task Order 1 and Task Order 2) included in the pre-solicitation materials indicate a significantly broader scope than represented by NAICS Code 541219 (Other Accounting Services). While we agree that skills brought to bear by accounting firms on the finance & accounting requirements can be beneficial, we believe other well-qualified firms offer the skills to perform the broad range of planning, programming, budgeting and execution (PPBE) tasks required under the DoD system. Further, we believe general management consulting firms are available that can perform the finance & accounting tasks to the same level of performance as accounting firms and also bring professional, experienced, and cleared staff to perform the PPBE tasks. | Careful consideration has been given in identifying the most appropriate NAICS Code, given the scope and complexity of this effort. Based on the requirements of Task Orders 1 and 2, use of NAICS Code 541219 is appropriate. This decision is supported by the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), which dictates that NAICS Code identification be based on the preponderance of effort. | |
| 8 | What requirements of this proposed request for proposal (RFP) are new work? | While the basic contract SOW encompasses efforts currently performed under existing DTRA contracts, it also provides for a much broader range of budget and finance support services for the Agency. None of the tasks identified in Task Orders 1 and 2 are new work for DTRA. No contractor support, however, is currently utilized for the consolidated card program function. | |
| 9 | What requirements of this RFP are existing work? | While the basic contract SOW encompasses efforts currently performed under existing DTRA contracts, it also provides for a much broader range of budget and finance support services for the Agency. None of the tasks identified in Task Orders 1 and 2 are new work for DTRA. No contractor support, however, is currently utilized for the consolidated card program function. | |
| 10 | Are there incumbents for Task Orders 1 and 2? If so, which companies are the incumbents? If there are incumbents, how many base and option years have been previously awarded? What is the contract value of previously-awarded base and options years? Has the current contract period expired? Is the proposed RFP an early recompete of a current contract? | Kforce Government Solutions is the incumbent performer for efforts proposed under Task Orders 1 and 2, with the exception of support to the consolidated card program function as discussed in the response to Question 9 above. The two supporting contracts, which are identified in the response to Question 6, were originally planned to cover a base period plus 6 option years running from September 15, 2006 through January 30, 2012. The total value of awards to date covering performance through June 30, 2009 is $14,403,799.63. | |
| 11 | For Task Order 1, what is the number of FTEs currently performing in each of the tasks 4.1 - 4.5 (for a total of 10 FTEs as reference on page 53, SF33) and tasks 4.6 – 4.9 (for a total of 24 FTEs as reference on page 53, SF33) by the incumbent or incumbents. If Task Order 1 is new work, what is the Government’s best estimate for the number of FTEs for each task of Task Order 1? Does this number include the project manager (page 10, SF 33). | A meaningful breakout by task cannot be provided as there are significant interrelationships/cross-over between activities in many areas. The government's approach affords the offeror the flexibility of proposing a staffing structure and approach to efficiently and effectively meet the government's requirements. The "project manager"' referred to on page 10, SF33 is the government project manager. As such, it is not included in the estimated contractor FTE numbers cited on page 53, SF33. | |
| 12 | If the Government is unable to provide its estimate of FTEs supporting Task Order 1 tasks, request the Government furnish the number of government FTEs, by grades and series, supporting the tasks. Such information will enable the development of a proposal to provide the Government an optimal solution to satisfy its requirements. | Similar to the situation described in the response to Question 11 above, a meaningful breakout by task cannot be provided as there are significant interrelationships/cross-over between activities in many areas. Government efforts are realigned as required to meet dynamic mission needs. | |
| 13 | Per page 10, SF33, the contract requires a project manager, but states “to be filled in at task order level.” This statement is used throughout the SF33, but most importantly with Section H1 Key Personnel – page 15, SF33: “The personnel listed below are considered essential…” The statement “to be filled in at task order level” follows. Please explain this statement as there are no other references to key personnel in the attached documents. | To clarify the comment on page 10, SF33, each Task Order issued against this contract will specifically identify the government project manager for the effort. Similarly, per the comment on page 15, SF 33, key personnel proposed by the contractor will also be identified at the Task Order level. | |
| 14 | Per Section H4a, “This is an indefinite-quantity contracted as contemplated by FAR 16.504” (page 16, SF33). Will the Government consider a multiple award IDIQ contract in its acquisition strategy? A multiple-award IDIQ would provide the Government the opportunity to receive a broader range of proposed solutions and the ability to select the best value for future task orders. | The Government has given careful consideration in determining the most appropriate type of contract vehicle to use to meet the stated requirements. The decision was made to have a single award. No further consideration will be given to a multiple award IDIQ contract strategy. | |
| 15 | Section L.1.3.5.6 Electronic Copies (page 42, SF33) requires that “all text must be searchable”. Request the Government provide searchable documents in the final solicitation – the documents in the request for information (BF0090012268) were searchable, while the documents in this Pre-solicitation Notice are not searchable. | The Government will ensure the solicitation and associated documents are searchable. | |
| 16 | What is the assumed start date for the Basic Contract, Task Order 1 and Task Order 2? | Contract performance start date is anticipated to be on or about November 12, 2009. | |
| 17 | Which firm conducted the Government’s (DTRA’s) clean audit? Will there be a separate task order for a clean audit requirement? | Audits of DTRA's financial statements have been conducted by Leonard G. Birnbaum and Company, and Brown and Company CPAs. Contracts for audits of financial statements are under the purview of the Department of Defense Inspector General and will not be awarded through this contract vehicle. The contractor selected for this effort will be expected, however, to support audit activity as stated in the Performance Work Statement. | |
| 18 | Which CLINs are associated with which tasks? | CLIN 0001 applies to Task Order 1. CLIN 0003 applies to Task Order 2. CLIN 0005 applies to Task Order 1. CLIN 0007 applies to Task Orders 1 and 2. The remaining CLINs may be utilized for future Task Orders. | |
| 19 | Prospective RFQ and Contract (Pricing of Changes). We note that the prospective contract requests that the offeror and its subcontractor provide cost and pricing data to support the reasonableness of its proposed firm fixed price. Given that the services provided here are substantially similar to those our subcontractor provides to commercial customers, may subcontractors -support the reasonableness of its proposed prices under this procurement and any future change or modification with established commercial market based pricing or GSA pricing approved by the US Government for similar services in lieu of providing certified cost and pricing data? | Yes. They can support the reasonableness of proposed pricing with established commercial market base pricing or GSA pricing, but they must comply with FAR 52.215. | |
| 20 | The DD Form 254 states in Block 10 g. that the contractor will require access to NATO Information. Will a NATO Facility Clearance be required? | While NATO briefing requirements will apply, there is no requirement for a "NATO Facility Clearance". | |
| 21 | The DD Form 254 states in Block 11 a. that the contractor will "Have access to classified information only at another contractor's facility or a government activity" the Form also specifies in Block 11 c. that the contractor will receive and generate classified material. Can we get clarification as to whether we will only be accessing classified information at a government activity or other contractor's facility or will we be expecting to receive and store classified material. | It is anticipated that the selected contractor will be accessing classified information at a government activity. | |
| 22 | If we will be expected to receive an generate classified material as indicated in Block 11 c. what level of safeguarding will be required, as Block 1 b. indicates "None"? | It is anticipated that classified material will be safeguarded at the government facility, not the contractor facility, hence the designation of "None" in Block 1 b. | |
| 23 | In Block 11 j. the DD Form 254 states that the contractor will have operations security (OPSEC) requirements. Will the customer provide us with a Threat/Vulnerability assessment so an appropriate OPSEC briefing can be prepared? | DTRA will not be providing a Threat/Vulnerability assessment to the contractor. Access to DTRA on-site OPSEC training, however, may be provided to contract employees on a space available basis. | |
| 24 | Would the government consider a combination of fixed price labor hour and time and materials contract types instead of cost plus fixed fee contract type specific in the draft RFQ. DTRA may be excluding some commercial firms with strong industry and federal government financial management, accounting, and auditing knowledge, experience, and best practices from performing as the prime contractor for this important work. | Based on a carefully considered acquisition strategy, the Government intends to pursue a cost plus fixed fee award for these initial Task Orders; a combination of fixed price labor hour and time and materials contract types will not be considered. Depending on the specific requirements, additional Task Orders in the future may be considered for fixed price awards, if appropriate. | |
| 25 | Given the complexities and breadth of the RFQ tasks, can multiple GSA schedules be used and proposed for this work? | No. FAR Part 8 does not apply. | |
| 26 | Upon a more detailed review of the small business NAICS code, we determined that the NAICS for Small Business under Paragraph L.2.5.7 of the draft RFP is a small business size standard of $8.5 associated with NAICS code 541219. Will the Government accept and give socioeconomic commitment credit to proposals from offerors having Service Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) subcontractors which exceed this size standard? | No, any small business, including SDVOSBs, proposed must meet the assigned NAICS size standard. | |
| 27 | On page 53 of the RFP it states Finance and Accounting Support: 24 (Top Secret Clearance is required for primary and backup support to the Foreign Military Sales Program)". It is our understanding that all 24 of these analysts must have a TS clearance, is a Polygraph or SCI required? | Contractor personnel performing work on this contract shall be U.S. citizens and shall have been granted a minimum of a Secret Security Clearance. A Top Secret Security Clearance is only required by the primary and backup contractor personnel supporting Foreign Military Sales program efforts specified under the Sample Task Order 1 Performance Work Statement. The number "24" appearing on page 53 of the draft RFP represents the estimated number of on-site FTEs for all finance and accounting support as stated in the Sample Task Order 1 Performance Work Statement, not the number requiring a Top Secret Security Clearance. There is no requirement for contractor personnel to have a Top Secret Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) Security Clearance. Polygraphs are not required. | |
| 28 | On page 55 of the RFP it states that "The Government reserves the right to award one or no contract." Is it the Government's intent to award one contract for the IDIQ, or multiple for the IDIQ and then one award for each task order? | The Government intends to make a single award for the IDIQ contract. Each Task Order will be awarded to the same single awardee. | |
| 29 | With regard to RFP, Section H7, Clause 252.209-9000, ORGANIZATIONAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST, states that the Contractor would be prohibited from bidding on any future DTRA work that stems directly from the work performed on this contract that may include the preparation of solicitations, evaluation of proposals, and execution of contracts. We note that this RFP does not include any requirements related to the preparation of solicitations, evaluation of proposals, and execution of contracts. Therefore, it is our understanding that the successful offeror for this contract would not be prohibited from submitting a proposal for, and being awarded , any other A&AS, SETA Support, or performing contracts at DTRA. Is this understanding correct? | Your understanding is not correct. The Organizational Conflicts of Interest Clause is applicable and would preclude the selected contractor from participating in any capacity on future DTRA contracts which stem directly from the contractor's performance of work under this contract, or which utilizes non-public information obtained through the performance of this contract. | |
| 30 | Does the government plan on holding an industry day? If not, will an interested bidder listing be posted on FedBizOps? | The Government does not plan on holding an industry day nor does it plan on posting a listing of interested bidders on FedBizOpps. However, please check the "Interested Bidders List" under HDTRA1-09-R-0002 on FedBizOpps, which is a list that is populated by interested parties. |
&C&"Arial,Bold"&14DRFP Questions & Responses
HDTRA1-09-R-0002
Budget and Finance Support
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